by David Emery

Emailed photos show a chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a heart-shaped pattern in its coat.

Description: Emailed images
Circulating since: July 2007 (see update)
Status: Authentic


Email example contributed by Lisa M., 9 Oct. 2007:
FW: The love puppy

SO CUTE I had to share..........

A PUPPY has been born in Japan with a large, clear, love-heart-shaped pattern in his coat. The Chihuahua was born in May as one of a litter to a breeder. Shop owner Emiko Sakurada said it was the first time a puppy with the marks had been born out of a thousand she had bred. She had no plans to sell the puppy, which has been named "Heart-kun". The long-coated male Chihuahua puppy was born in Odate, northern Japan.

This may seem at first glance a story too cute to be true, but trust me, it's the real deal. According to news reports from multiple sources, "Heart-kun" the chihuahua was one of a litter born on May 18, 2007 at Pucchin Dog's shop in Odate, northern Japan. Owner Emiko Sakurada has been quoted as saying that out of 1,000 puppies she has bred, Heart-kun is the only one with such a mark. Locals believe that playing with the puppy brings good luck.